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When to Plant Currants in Torrance County, NM

Currants are small, tart berries that grow on attractive shrubs in red, white, and black varieties. They are prized for jams, jellies, and liqueurs.

Torrance County, New Mexico is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 150 days.

At an elevation of 5,941 feet, Torrance County receives approximately 13.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 87ยฐF, providing good warmth for Currants during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring โ€” great for early planting โ€” but Currants will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Currants successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Torrance County, NM (Zone 6b) Moderate season
150 days
Last Spring Frost May 10
150 growing days
First Fall Frost October 7

Torrance County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

6.8-8.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 21
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 31
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 20

Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.4″/week
You supply
1.1″/week
Watering frequency 2-3 times/week
Season total 1,459 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 10/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Currants needs ~13,916 GDD — county provides 2,287 GDD May not mature

Currants Planting Timeline โ€” Torrance County, NM

Currants Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 31 May 31 โ€“ Jun 14

ยท 48" apart ยท Rows 72" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April โ€”
May Transplant Outdoors
June Transplant Outdoors
July โ€”
August โ€”
September โ€”
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

730โ€“1095 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 6.5

USDA Zone

Zone 6b

Growing Season

150 days

Growing Tips for Torrance County

Plant in a sheltered location with morning sun. Prune out wood older than 3 years to encourage new fruiting wood. Mulch heavily to keep roots cool and moist.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Currants in Torrance County, NM?

Torrance County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Currants planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Torrance County, NM?

Torrance County, New Mexico is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is October 7.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Torrance County gardeners in Zone 6b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Torrance County, NM. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.